"Graciously lined with pine forests I could smell the earthy aroma. It was as if the forest was communing to me, and I probed, if this is heaven? And if it is, am I in heaven?"
Atleast once so to say the least, every one must visit Gulmarg, a heavenly place located in Kashmir. Nestled in the Pir Panjal Range of the Western Himalayas it sits at an altitude of 8,690 feet above sea level. ‘Meadow of Flowers’ as the name Gulmarg translates to, once you step foot into Gulmarg you will be surrounded by glimmering snow peaked alps, verdant green pastures, colorful meadows, deep valleys and pine covered slopes. And for those of you who want to stay in the mountains, whether in spring or the white winters, there is none other than The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, situated at the rear of the forested Monkey Hill.
Magnificent Property And The Mountains
A complete Kashmiri affair, Khyber oozes the opulence with its beautiful decor on display. From the hangul on its masthead to the teakwood floors, the walnut panelling and the carpets in the rooms, the place feels authentic yet a sense of home. Enjoy a relaxing evening with a cup of kahwa and some Kashmiri bread to the expansive forest views as the wispy clouds smear across the sky. And the last rays of sun set into the panoramic views of the pine trees, creating nothing but a dream that you will get to live during your stay.
Relax, Go Skiing, Relish Kashmiri Cuisine or Take A Dip
Try the authentic Kashmiri cuisine at the resident restaurant 'Nouf.' Try from the delicious gushtaba, marchwangan korma and other delicacies. On a cold winter morning make sure to wake up to a hot cup of kahwa, a Kashmiri chai. Made with a hint of saffron and dry fruits this tea is best experienced at 'Chaikash,' the tea lounge and terrace which flows into the cascading terraces, ideal for mountain gazing. You can also relax with your friends at the Sheesha lounge at the 'Calabash.'
With Gulmarg Gondola only being a minutes away from the resort, The Khyber is a ski in - ski out resort. If skiing doesn't interest you, theres something more exciting to add to your bucket list. The world's highest ski lift is situated on the shoulder of Mount Affarwat taking you away to Kongdoori Mountain. The highest ski point in the Himalayas of 13,780 feet, a one and only place offering this chance. If you choose to go skiing, be rest assured to be in good hands of Certified instructors, quality equipment and the right apparel is at hand, courtesy the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering.
On a winter holiday as you enter the deep and higher climb, you will notice the mountains drowning in to the sea of white, mesmerising you with a hint of sunshine.
During the warmer months you can do a picnic, an afternoon rest in the forest or just go on a leisure walk. On a day you wish to be pampered, book The Khyber Spa nestled at a 8,825 feet above sea level. The white cladded slopes are Asia's seventh best ski destination, even if you wish to only gaze, they are nothing but inviting!
How To Get Here
By flight: Fly to Srinagar from Delhi.
By car: Gulmarg is about 50km from Srinagar. You can hire cabs from Srinagar airport to Gulmarg.
The all-weather resort can also arrange for pick-ups and drops to Srinagar airport on request.
Getting Around
Gulmarg being a pretty small place you can get to most places on foot.
For reservations: 01943 521 610
Address: The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg 193403, Kashmir (J&K), India
Price: INR 26,462 (depending on the time of year price may vary)
Gulmarg is a less travelled place, slowly getting the much deserved attention. With the luxurious The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa is opulent yet grounding at the same time. Irrespective of which time of the year you choose to visit this heavenly destination, you will not be disappointed. If you have already visited this resort, let us know below in the comments. And if you haven't visit would you be adding it to your bucket list?
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